Japan to Install Barriers at Flood-Prone Underpasses
Tokyo, Oct. 6 (Jiji Press)--Japan's transport ministry on Tuesday released guidelines related to the installation of remote-controlled barriers at underpasses at high risk of flooding to restrict access during heavy rain. The move comes on the heels of a series of deaths at flooded underpasses, including during heavy rain in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, in August. "We will promptly tak...
Tokyo, October 6 - Japan's transport ministry has unveiled guidelines for installing remote-controlled barriers at underpasses prone to flooding. The initiative follows a series of fatalities in underpasses during heavy rain, notably in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, in August. Transport Minister Tatsunori Ibayashi announced a prompt response to prevent accidents in flooded underpasses, in conjunction with relevant agencies.
The guidelines, formulated for road administrators, including local governments, classify underpasses into four risk levels based on their susceptibility to flooding. Each underpass will be assessed and categorized accordingly. Administrators are mandated to install barriers at particularly vulnerable underpasses, particularly those that have experienced fatalities or property damage due to flooding in the past.
Under the guidelines, traffic will be restricted ahead of time when weather alerts corresponding to Level 4 emergency warnings are issued, or when hourly rainfall reaches or is forecast to reach a specific level.
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